opprobrium
noun
Harsh criticism or censure; public disgrace arising from shameful conduct. The state of being shamed or despised.
Etymology
From Latin "opprobrium" (disgrace, infamy), from "ob" (against) + "probrum" (shameful act), related to "probra" (abuse).
Examples in Use
- 1.
"The scandal brought opprobrium upon the entire organization."
- 2.
"He faced the opprobrium of his colleagues after the revelation."
- 3.
"The policy drew widespread opprobrium from critics."
Related Vocabulary
Synonyms
Related Words
Fun Fact
Social opprobrium functions as informal punishment. Research shows fear of public disgrace can be more motivating than legal penalties, explaining why societies have always used shame alongside formal justice.
Word Game Tips
Letters: 10 letters (O, P, P, R, O, B, R, I, U, M)
Scrabble Value: 18 points
Tip: The letter pattern in "OPPROBRIUM" appears in many related words.
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